The Five A’s of Making Stray-Proof Resolutions

If
you’re like most people, the New Year’s resolutions that you made are
long gone. You might have thought about losing weight, paying off your
debt, reconnecting with friends, or even learning something new. Now,
it’s February, and while you did your best for the first two weeks, you
found yourself slipping until you were back into your old habits. It’s
time to take those resolutions off the shelf and make them better,
stronger, and stray-proof.

“Successful people are simply those with successful habits.” ~ Brian Tracy

When you create resolutions for
yourself, you are declaring that you are willing to take on several
collections of habits. For instance, the resolution to lose weight is a
declaration that you will choose to eat more vegetables, that you will
climb the stairs a little more, and that you will ride your bike more
often. Resolutions represent the foundation of successful habits.

Attuned to You

The first A in resolutions is Attuned.
Your resolutions are yours, not anyone else’s. You create the
especially for yourself, not your spouse, your family, or your friends.
Just the very thought of completing your resolutions should bring a
smile to your face. You should feel that extra jolt of energy at the
thought of giving yourself something special. When the goal is
important to you, you are highly likely to complete it and achieve the
prize.

“We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish.” ~ Tony Robbins

Attitude Oriented

Your second A is Attitude. The
confidence that you have about a project will determine its success or
failure. Attitude is a powerful force, one which has changed the course
of mighty countries and companies. Your resolutions, when they are
centered around your positive attitude, make you unstoppable in their
achievement. There’s a saying, ‘when you believe, you achieve.’

Actionable Steps Can be Taken

The third A is Actionable. Not only do
you have the confidence that you can complete this resolution, but
you’ve broken the resolution down into actionable steps. Each of these
steps should take no more than about fifteen or twenty minutes to
complete. This process enables you to wrap your mind around the
resolution just that little bit better.

Anytime Completion

The fourth A is Anytime. Resolutions
have no exact start dates. They do not have to be started at a specific
time and just slotted into our lives. They can be started at any
time. The new year is incredibly convenient for certain resolutions
like quitting smoking and changing your diet, but it is not necessary to
follow a specific protocol when following resolutions. If you are
committed to doing the resolution, then the time that you start doesn’t
matter.

“Adventure is not outside man; it is within.” ~ George Eliot

Adventure Oriented

The fifth and final A is for Adventure.
We all have different definitions for the word ‘adventure,’ but there’s
a tiny little part of us which wants it in our lives. We’re curious:
eager to find the new discoveries, willing to break the records, wanting
to turn lead into gold. And, frankly, many of our own resolutions
don’t measure up. Completion of your resolution means the start of a
new adventure.

GOYA-cises

Here are a few things you can do right now to put these ideas into actions:

First, revisit your resolutions. Think
about the things which you wish to accomplish this year for yourself.
Make sure that these new resolutions are completely yours and doable.

Second, turn your resolutions into
smaller actionable steps. Keep those resolutions in mind when you’re
searching for the next thing to do. Always be searching for a way of
reaching your goal.

Third, remember that life is an
adventure and that your resolutions are guideposts on that quest for
adventure. You don’t fail at resolutions, you merely postpone their
completion.

“Remember that it is up to you to choose
everyday to “Get off Your Attitude” and to create a positive lifestyle
for yourself and others” Ryan C. Lowe

Ryan C. Lowe

Ryan Lowe is a professional
speaker, coach, consultant, and author and has delivered presentations to
companies of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500s, resulting in
higher performance in individuals and organizations. During his career he has
achieved award-winning sales positions and became one of the most-requested
speakers/trainers with Brian Tracy Seminars, The American Sales Trainer
Association, Universal Seminars, and The Productivity People. He has also
served as the vice-president of sales for two financial services corporations
and as a partner in a financial services start-up. He has presented to sales
groups, financial institutions, churches, sports groups, non-profits, schools,
civic organizations, and more.